The Bears are working on another significant roster shakeup this week, making contract offers to defensive end Fernando Smith and cornerback Corey Harris and bringing former New Orleans Saints receiver Randal Hill to camp for a tryout.
Hill led the Saints with 55 receptions last year, allowing him to become a free agent. The Saints offered the seven-year veteran a contract this year, believed to be in the range of $750,000. But when Hill balked, the Saints filled their wideout needs by other means.
Hill’s visit coincides with an injury to No. 3 receiver Chris Penn, whose left hand was stepped on Monday by a teammate. Team officials said Penn was expected to practice Tuesday.
Smith, a defensive end, is a former second-round pick of the Vikings. Harris played last season with Miami.
Meanwhile, Rico McDonald practiced as the starting strong-side linebacker after Sean Harris was excused for the day on personal business.
Shawn Lee remained the starting right defensive end as expected, while Andre Collins began sharing reps with Michael Lowery at the other starting outside linebacker spot.
Rookie watch: John Allred’s strained hamstring sidelined him Monday, and coaches installed rookie Alonzo Mayes with the first unit, a move that could become permanent if Mayes makes something out of his opportunity.
Mayes will start Friday against the Arizona Cardinals if Allred can’t go. Even if Allred is ready, the early plan is for Mayes to play at least the entire second and third quarters.
Ryan Wetnight started against Baltimore, but his role is projected as the tight end in passing situations.
“This will be an opportunity for Alonzo to get a lot more reps,” said offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh. “When you consider candidates for guys who can start every down at tight end, Ryan’s just not big enough.
“He gives us a lot of other things, but I just don’t think he’s big enough.”
Happy to be here: Collins has a sense of football history and believes he’s wearing a piece of it now.
“I’ve been waiting to wear the Chicago Bears uniform my whole career,” he said, explaining that the Bears are in his mind the “first family of pro football. That’s it. Bottom line. Still.”
Collins, recalling legends of the game such as George Halas, Red Grange and Dick Butkus, declared: “There are a lot worse places to play. I think the Bears are one team at the beginning of the season that, because of the organization and the commitment to winning, they’re one team that you can throw into the hat to win the Super Bowl year in and year out.
“They haven’t been that successful the last couple years, but the Bears are one team that you have to consider for the title every year.”
Easy now: Pre-practice exercises conclude with one player leading a wrapup of five jumping jacks. Dave Wannstedt called defensive tackle Jim Flanigan out to lead Monday, then drew laughs with a reminder, “And don’t anybody hurt themselves.”
Fullback search: Converted tight end Tremayne Allen will remain as the starting fullback. For now.
Intended starter Ty Hallock (pulled hamstring) may not return until the last exhibition game. In the meantime, 250-pound free agent Robert Chancey continues to impress and may edge ahead of Allen.
Excused: Quarterback Rick Mirer flew back to Chicago from Baltimore with the team but was given time off to drive home for a visit with his wife and newborn son, Morrison.
